Parlando: The COC Blog

Tuesday, November 6, 2012 - 12 p.m. - Aruna Narayan - Many Strings Attached; Spotlight on Sarangi

Virtuosa Aruna Narayan is one of very few people known to play this obscure instrument and is the only woman to play it professionally. The sarangi is an ancient North Indian bowed instrument that is considered one of the most difficult in the world to master. Born in Mumbai to renowned sarangi master Pandit Ram Narayan, Aruna and her father have helped this instrument re-enter the mainstream of Indian performing arts as a Hindustani classical instrument. During her performance, Aruna will be accompanied by Ravi Naimpally on the tabla. 

PROGRAM

Raag Shuddh Sarang – An important concept in the Classical Indian music tradition is that of time.  Raag scales are constructed in a manner that reflects our changing mood and physiology over a 24-hour period.  Shuddh Sarang is ideally performed around the noon hour.

The recital will begin with an “Alaap” – a slow unfolding of the raag. The next phase is a rhythmic composition, accompanied by the tabla. This composition is set to a rhythmic cycle of 16 beats called “Teen Taal." The second composition, in a faster tempo, is set to a cycle of seven beats called “Rupak.”

Raag Kirvani – This is a light classical melody that is performed at all hours of the day/night. The composition is set to “Teen Taal.”

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see a live sarangi performance. Watch the short preview below to get a glimpse of the sarangi in action.

Click here for more information about our Free Concert Series and like us on Facebook for photos and previews of upcoming performances.

Photo: Aruna Narayan

"Time to break out the champagne! Die Fledermaus is a rich, racy triumph!" Richard Ouzounian, Toronto Star.

It looks like our new production of Die Fledermaus is a great hit with critics and audiences alike! But don't fret, there are still three performances of Strauss's satirical operetta left. The best dates for availability are October 30 and November 1. Pick a night and choose your own Adele! We still have one performance left with Ambur Braid on November 1, and Mireille Asselin performs October 30 and on our final performance on November 3. If that wasn't enough of an incentive, come frocked in your Fledermaus finery on October 30 while we host a costume meetup on Ring 3 during intermission. There are still many ways to join the party!

Read more...